Hello,
I have searched the forum for 2 days with all possible keywords but not able to find a guide for noobs, hence posting this one. Please excuse if I have missed already existing thread.
Just bought a SGS2. Greatly happy with its performance but it has HongKong specific OS and there are lot of apps in Chinese which cannot be removed even upon factory reset. Also, the first boot starts with Chinese I wanted to change it to English, I don't mind getting any data wiped of as it is still very new. It seems to be already rooted as I can see a word root in the kernel version. Also, it has a word ZSK4 in the kernel version. I checked lot of threads and there are guides on how to change the kernel, firmware and rooting. But I don't find what should I change and also should I change the kernel or firmware and should I root it again.
Can you please guide me.
Sumanth M V said:
Hello,
I have searched the forum for 2 days with all possible keywords but not able to find a guide for noobs, hence posting this one. Please excuse if I have missed already existing thread.
Just bought a SGS2. Greatly happy with its performance but it has HongKong specific OS and there are lot of apps in Chinese which cannot be removed even upon factory reset. Also, the first boot starts with Chinese I wanted to change it to English, I don't mind getting any data wiped of as it is still very new. It seems to be already rooted as I can see a word root in the kernel version. Also, it has a word ZSK4 in the kernel version. I checked lot of threads and there are guides on how to change the kernel, firmware and rooting. But I don't find what should I change and also should I change the kernel or firmware and should I root it again.
Can you please guide me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should help - the noobiest noob guide, and very good it is too.
Newer firmwares have come out since then - check here.
Just Root your device. Keep the Stock firmware atm as you don't have much idea about Custom ROM's. To root, just follow Chainfire's method, can't be any simpler than that,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Regards.
Thanks guys for these links, to noob's guide really is great. I got 3 questions now .
1. Can I change the kernel and firmware to any other of my choice so that it can be used in another country (i.e. India)
2. Default language of the phone depends on kernel or firmware?
3. The apps in my phone now are I guess, in the firmware, so changing it should help in getting rid of them, right?
Sumanth M V said:
Thanks guys for these links, to noob's guide really is great. I got 3 questions now .
1. Can I change the kernel and firmware to any other of my choice so that it can be used in another country (i.e. India)
2. Default language of the phone depends on kernel or firmware?
3. The apps in my phone now are I guess, in the firmware, so changing it should help in getting rid of them, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes you can use any Kernel from any country as long as it is for SGS2 with the correct hardware.
2. Language depends on the system rom, it is not in the Kernel, except for UTF-8 support in file system.
3. Apps installed are stored in userdata partition, if the ROM is similar, the settings and apps can be used in the next rom as long as userdata partition is not wiped.
Example for 3:
Using Stock ROM
Flash rooted kernel, apps installed are not erased
Flash ROM (Samsung derivative such as Lite'ning, SkyROM) which are based from Stock, userdata partition is not erased, apps and settings are maintained.
Flash CM7 ROM (Not a derivative of stock rom), userdata partition is not erase, might suffer weird issues or might not boot due to data in userdata partition, recommended to format userdata, internal rom partition (full wipe).
Thanks a ton guys, I successfully changed the ROM to a complete English one!
Related
Hi All.
I last rooted a HTC Desire well over a year (or 2) ago and I am now looking into rooting my Samsung Galaxy S2 - I9100, from Optus in Australia.
Although well versed, I am finding myself in noob land trying to read and firgure out what is the correct way to alter my phone.
Firstly I apologise for posting something that I am sure is answered out here. So please just point me to the right place and close this thread if so.
I can see that the standard boot loader (hope I refer to that correctly) appears to allow you to install another OS (ROM).
This appears to be called ODIN.
Am I able to load new ROMs by using the default ODIN on the phone, or do I need to load something like ClockworkMod?
I am intending to download and install the generic stock ROM (non-carrier) version before looking into other variants.
I am assuming to load other ROMs, like say Cyanogen 9, I would have to go through the root process.
Aside from rooting, I am reading posts that refer to updating the kernel. What is the kernel and why do I need to change it?
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
SOLVED: Thanks to ares05 I already got the rom I wanted! I didn't find that specific rom in the first place... Anyway, anyone googles for this same matter can use my thread as an Q&A. The only thing I did to get Neatrom Lite working was putting it on Internal SD (Without wiping data). And flashing it (choose zip from internal SD) from the custom CWM recovery, then reboot. (Yes for beginners, CWM is an requirement!). For Nexus layout lovers try regular Cyanogenmod, Trebuchet or MIUI. They are all great.
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Hello,
Question to myself: did I researched, googled and watch the video upon registration?
Yes, but that doesn't solve my specific problem or provide enough information to try the risky situation.
Problems:
I have trouble upgrading from Android 2.3.5 to 4.0 through Odin3 v1.85. It's very unclear what Rom I need to get to flash.
I flashed through Odin3 Android 4.0 before, through reading a lot and accepted the try and ended up getting boot loops. So I flashed back my android 2.3.5 XWKJ5. that gave me CWM but also voided the possibility to upgrade through Samsung Kies what I regretted later.
Then I thought, Okay... I'll get the basic Custom Rom: Cyanogenmod 9.1 then, through wiping cache/factory and dalvik cache and flashing through zip file on SD card everything went great. But I was unhappy with CM9 because the playstore app didn't work anymore and I didn't liked the overall layout of the camera, apps and some other minor bug I found - I forgot... So I went back to Android 2.3.5 with nandroid backup.
Also I have ROM manager but that doesn't let me update the specific CWM 6.0.1.0 rom as it says "An error occurred while downloading your recovery." Probably more people have this?!
What I need to know to solve this matter:
I want the default (stock) android 4.0+ ICS firmware on my phone with root. Can someone provide me the exact link of the .tar/.tar.md5 file needed to upgrade my phone to that android version or higher if the rom is available for it (4.1.3?). Since I find it hard to search the correct rom needed to get this result. The rom you might provide me can be slightly modded but that's okay, as long as I have all the ICS features and the layout it naturally comes with.
All the current Phone specific data you might found useful in helping me:
Samsung Galaxy S2 (I-9100)*
Android 2.3.5
Gingerbread.XWKJ5
CF-Root 5 Kernel (Root, CWM, Superuser).
+Has made an Nandroid backup through recovery.
+Backed up my apps through Titanium Backup.
*It's no AT&T or T-Mobile version, luckily.
TL;DR: I WANT TO UPGRADE ANDROID 2.3.5 TO 4.0+, WHAT SPECIFIC ROM I NEED TO FLASH?
I hope someone good willing enough is there to help me and I will check this thread often for any replies,
Scy.
There are a bunch of ROMS here which will give you the stock ICS look and feel. I haven't tried all of them but if that's the kinda ROM you want then you could check out the ROM that I'm currently using, Neatrom Lite. Follow the link on my signature to the ROM thread. The latest version for Neatrom is 4.0.4 and you could download it from the link given on the first Page of the thread.
If you wanna try something else you check out the following links :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23562820
This is a thread with an index of all the stock ICS ROMs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23275441
This is an index of all the custom ROMs.
Take your pick.
Sent from a GT-I9100 having a mind of its own
Yeah, that's sort of what I want. The biggest reason of wanting to update is that my brother has stock ics 4.0 and his battery consumes like 50% less energy in locked mode(s), factor in the fact that his update cleaned a lot of the processes and unused apps. Also I am fond of the original stock look - especially the camera controls.
I will try neatrom (lite) later tonight I checked out the official forum Page, looks very very to my liking. I am so excited, thanks for showing will report later if it worked out.
- EDIT -
Yaaaay! Everything went flawlessly, it's cool that there is no Wipe needed as the forum thread indicates. I don't know if it works fluidly yet, but it seems everything is up and running like if it was original ICS. I think the Siyah kernel helps alot in battery usage which means alot to me because I travel alot. I will keep this rom for a long while if no bugs/freezes pop up! Seems so promising, thank you thank you thank you~~!!
Hello All,
After 5 years of programming, hacking, and cracking iOS and iPhones i decided it was time to quit and start fresh, I got myself the Samsung Galaxy S3 4g i9305 / Telstra
I am new to this entire Android scene, therefore I have several question to ask... your help will be greatly appreciated.
1) I would like to try and remove the preinstalled carrier (Telstra - AUS) ROM and install a stock 4.1.1 Jelly Bean ROM (without any adds or added crap) – How can I go about doing this?
2) Can I back up my current factory ROM so I can restore it if something goes wrong or I change ROMS?
3) How can I root and unroot the device?
4) Are there any precautions I need to take? Are there any irreversible changes that can occur? The main question is; can I always return to factory stock ROM (from the factory), settings ect if something goes wrong?
5) What are Android equivalent to Cydia or Installous?
6) Benefits of rooting the device?
7) Similar Apps to ‘Get Apk’?
8) Best sources for themes, apps, hacks, ect? Maybe a usenet thread?
9) Any interesting tips, guides, sites to help me get a full grasp of the entire Android system?
10) Best ROM available for the s3 4g?
I am sure some of these questions might have been previously covered elsewhere, I have searched for answers but I am still uncertain on several aspects.
thanks you, and I look forward to your feedback.
GODSPD said:
Hello All,
After 5 years of programming, hacking, and cracking iOS and iPhones i decided it was time to quit and start fresh, I got myself the Samsung Galaxy S3 4g i9305 / Telstra
I am new to this entire Android scene, therefore I have several question to ask... your help will be greatly appreciated.
>>> BASICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927113
1) I would like to try and remove the preinstalled carrier (Telstra - AUS) ROM and install a stock 4.1.1 Jelly Bean ROM (without any adds or added crap) – How can I go about doing this?
See basics flash stock Samsung rom .
2) Can I back up my current factory ROM so I can restore it if something goes wrong or I change ROMS?
>>>>A rooted phone can gave a Nandroid backup see basics .
3) How can I root and unroot the device?
>>>>See Basics CF Root
4) Are there any precautions I need to take? Are there any irreversible changes that can occur? The main question is; can I always return to factory stock ROM (from the factory), settings ect if something goes wrong?
Yes factory rom must do first is backup EFS folder see basics .
8) Best sources for themes, apps, hacks, ect? Maybe a usenet thread?
I hop[e you don't mean stolen warez apps .Otherwise themes and apps are on XDA .
9) Any interesting tips, guides, sites to help me get a full grasp of the entire Android system?
BASICS
10) Best ROM available for the s3 4g?
BEST ROM POSTS ARE BANNED their is no best rom .
All answered in the stickied basic faqs and guides .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GODSPD said:
Hello All,
After 5 years of programming, hacking, and cracking iOS and iPhones i decided it was time to quit and start fresh, I got myself the Samsung Galaxy S3 4g i9305 / Telstra
I am new to this entire Android scene, therefore I have several question to ask... your help will be greatly appreciated.
1) I would like to try and remove the preinstalled carrier (Telstra - AUS) ROM and install a stock 4.1.1 Jelly Bean ROM (without any adds or added crap) – How can I go about doing this?
2) Can I back up my current factory ROM so I can restore it if something goes wrong or I change ROMS?
3) How can I root and unroot the device?
4) Are there any precautions I need to take? Are there any irreversible changes that can occur? The main question is; can I always return to factory stock ROM (from the factory), settings ect if something goes wrong?
5) What are Android equivalent to Cydia or Installous?
6) Benefits of rooting the device?
7) Similar Apps to ‘Get Apk’?
8) Best sources for themes, apps, hacks, ect? Maybe a usenet thread?
9) Any interesting tips, guides, sites to help me get a full grasp of the entire Android system?
10) Best ROM available for the s3 4g?
I am sure some of these questions might have been previously covered elsewhere, I have searched for answers but I am still uncertain on several aspects.
thanks you, and I look forward to your feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*******DON`T install KIES. If your Rooting and flashing your phone, you won`t need it, and it could potentially get in your way******
The simplest way to get you started is to .....
1. Install Samsung USB Drivers on your PC - http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/model/GT-I9100RWAXEU-downloads# (works on all Samsung Devices)
2. Download ODIN (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1432843&d=1351270936 - self contained Executable, run it "as is")
Download this (Unbranded UK Official Stock ROM - should work OK) (http://www.hotfile.com/dl/177306141/248b29e/I9300XXDLJ4_I9300OXADLJ4_BTU.zip.html)
Go to this page http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671969 For an excellent guide how to flash your ROM using ODIN
Now go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957273 - Excellent Clockworkmod (CWM) recovery flashing guide
You should now have a rooted phone, with The latest official 4.1.1 JB, and a custom recovery flashed. Hope this helps..
If my phone has carrier specific rom, in my case Telstra, do i have to find another telstra? there is another guide here that uses the Optus rom (another Australian carrier) in this case Optus, can i use that one?
[GT-I9305] Australian Samsung Galaxy SIII 4G Root Guide - NOT for other variants
Is the process to unroot the device difficult? will something changeonce it is rooted?
I also noticed that once i get the phone into download mode, the seccond i press the continue button it goes straight into Downloading... Do not turn off target, and i cannot do anything other than hold the power button to reset...
Last issue i am facing, i have read many threads about this same issue, (it may be specific to Australian updates only) i cannot change,move, add, or remove any of the home screen (not lock) dock icons.. and yes i have tried every method but it may be very well something to do with the australian models as others have reported this problem and yet there is no fix for it... - so if i flash the rom will that fix the issue?
GODSPD said:
Hello All,
After 5 years of programming, hacking, and cracking iOS and iPhones i decided it was time to quit and start fresh, I got myself the Samsung Galaxy S3 4g i9305 / Telstra
...
I am sure some of these questions might have been previously covered elsewhere, I have searched for answers but I am still uncertain on several aspects.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please be aware that 9305 can have a different network circuit that the normal i9300 - read carefully the subforum for 9305!
Also you really need to start looking around - there is no magic tutorial, there are just a HUGE amount of separate posts (and with 9305 you need to be extra careful since there ARE small differences).
EDIT: [SOLVED] - For anyone following in my footsteps, ROM Manager is useless when flashing between android versions. You need to perform a wipe first so back up apps, SMS and internal SD card files. These threads were most helpful:
OFFICIAL OMEGA FAQ: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32864050&postcount=27478
ONE STOP GUIDE TO FLASHING S3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32664054
Hi there,
A year ago I rooted and flashed my phone to Omega 9.xx from stock. Unfortunately, I haven't paid attention to anything since and have only just realised I'm still running 4.04 and a really outdated custom ROM.
So my question is how do I update to Jellybean 4.12/4.22?
I tried flashing to Cyanogenmod using ROM Manager/CWM Touch recovery yesterday to no avail. I got as far as the boot screen where it would stick so I had to restore my nandroid back up.
Is this due to compatibility with my outdated Android version? Do I need to update it before flashing a new custom ROM? I was under the impression flashing the new ROM would auto-update android from 4.04-4.14 - am I mistaken? Details in my signature and my provider is vodafone UK.
Thanks in advance for you help - it's much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Kelevra7
kelevra7 said:
Hi there,
A year ago I rooted and flashed my phone to Omega 9.xx from stock. Unfortunately, I haven't paid attention to anything since and have only just realised I'm still running 4.04 and a really old ROM.
So my question is how do I update to Jellybean 4.12/4.22?
I tried flashing to Cyanogenmod using ROM Manager/CWM Touch recovery yesterday to no avail. I got as far as the boot screen where it would stick so I flashed my nandroid back up.
Is this due to compatibility with my old Android version? Do I need to update it before flashing a new custom ROM? I was under the impression flashing the new ROM would auto-update android from 4.04-4.14 but I think I may be mistaken. Details in my signature and my provider is vodafone UK.
Thanks in advance for you help - it's much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Kelevra7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
General > Sticky Roll-up Thread > Understanding the basics before rooting
EDIT: [SOLVED] - For anyone following in my footsteps, ROM Manager is useless when flashing between android versions. You need to perform a wipe first so back up apps, SMS and internal SD card files. These threads were most helpful:
OFFICIAL OMEGA FAQ: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...ostcount=27478
ONE STOP GUIDE TO FLASHING S3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...php?p=32664054
rootSU said:
General > Sticky Roll-up Thread > Understanding the basics before rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the link. I read the entire first post but am still having a little trouble understanding where to go from here.
Do I need to flash my stock ROM before flashing a custom ROM? This part of your guide suggests I do not:
However, if you immediately plan on flashing a ROM, there's no need to root your existing ROM. Simply skip straight to installing a recovery. Backup then flash what you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So perhaps I just need to flash a custom ROM using CWM. But I tried this and it didn't work. I have searched a multitude of forums (spent 8+ hours) but to no avail. Nothing specifically references how to update from an old android version/custom ROM.
I have backed up my apps and system data with Titanium backup, got a nandroid backup, installed ROM Manager and Mobile Odin Lite (with the kernel add on) and tried flashing cyanogenmod9 using CWM but it failed - if you could just drop me a line pointing me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Kelevra
So, i need to be super careful as this is the wifes phone.
Model number = GT-I9100
Android Version = 2.3.5
Baseband = I9100XXKI3
Kernel version = 2.6.35.7-I9100XXKI3-CL577579
Build number = WanamLite.KI3.V3.0
We bought this phone off local forums a while ago, and it seems to me that it's already hacked to a degree at least. custom rom already?
It's got CWM(v2.0 CF-Root 4.1) on it already which i can boot to through an app on the phone and manually... (ClockworkMod Recovery v4.0.0.2)
It also seems to have superuser installed? (su binary outdated notification, currently 3.1.3) i assume i have root as well?
So question is.. from here.. how do i update to latest version of CWM and android etc WITHOUT stuffing it up and ending my life as i know it?
Sledge1 said:
So, i need to be super careful as this is the wifes phone.
Model number = GT-I9100
Android Version = 2.3.5
Baseband = I9100XXKI3
Kernel version = 2.6.35.7-I9100XXKI3-CL577579
Build number = WanamLite.KI3.V3.0
We bought this phone off local forums a while ago, and it seems to me that it's already hacked to a degree at least. custom rom already?
It's got CWM(v2.0 CF-Root 4.1) on it already which i can boot to through an app on the phone and manually... (ClockworkMod Recovery v4.0.0.2)
It also seems to have superuser installed? (su binary outdated notification, currently 3.1.3) i assume i have root as well?
So question is.. from here.. how do i update to latest version of CWM and android etc WITHOUT stuffing it up and ending my life as i know it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the laatest jb custom rom from Xda which ever android version you want like 4.1.2, 4.2.2, 4.3 and put it in your ext/internal sd card and go to recovery mod and do a full wipe as you are coming from GB and flash your rom.
Don't firget to follow the procedure which was mention on the rom thread which you are going to flash.
Good luck
The phone is currently running a custom rom. You need to ask yourself the question 'Do I want to upgrade to a more recent custom rom (I'm sure there are recent WanamLite builds if that floats your boat), or do I want to upgrade to a recent stock rom & maybe leave the phone rooted ?'.
If you want to upgrade to a custom rom, go to the development sections, read up on some roms & try some out. You should be able to flash these with the CWM version that's currently on the phone; but as always though, read/follow the particular instructions for flashing the rom in question which are always on the first page of the thread devoted to the rom & are always very clear/simple.
If you want to 'upgrade' to a recent stock rom, get one for your country/carrier from Samfirmware, and flash it with Odin (How ? Thread stickied near top of Q&A has instructions). If you then want to re-root the phone (if you flash a stock rom, you'll lose root), again, in that same thread there's instructions on how to do so easily (there are also guides stickied near the top of the General section).
Thanks guys.. just wasn't sure if it was that simple or not
I'd like to update her phone to the newest custom vanilla android rom as possible (not samsung)
will go searching now.. (was looking at NEATROM)
What's this Aroma stuff?
And do i need to update to a newer CWM at all?
EDIT: Ok.. well all done.. seems to be good
It is simple;if everything goes to plan.But anything can go wrong with stuff not working.
Backup your efs folder and make a nand so you can get back to where you started.
Then read the rom thread for install advice and bugs etc.
And Mistahbungle could accomodate your wife if you muck up her phone......lol
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maybe your an iphone expert
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theunderling said:
It is simple;if everything goes to plan.But anything can go wrong with stuff not working.
Backup your efs folder and make a nand so you can get back to where you started.
Then read the rom thread for install advice and bugs etc.
And Mistahbungle could accomodate your wife if you muck up her phone......lol
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok.. no idea what the efs folder is... but i did do a backup through CWM first anyway..
But everything seems to be ok so far..
Cheers
You dont need to know what it is,although you can research it if you want.Just backing it up can prove vital if you need it.
A phone is a bit handier if it can make calls......lol
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maybe your an iphone expert
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